'Still a long way to go' for Anglophone Quebecers.

"While comparison with previous surveys indicates some progress over the years, there's still a long way to go to ensure English-speaking Quebecers in all regions are able to receive services in their language", Jennifer Johnson, Executive Director of the Community Health and Social Services Network says. The organization aims to improve access to health and social services in English for Quebec's anglophone communities.

A CROP survey of more than 3,000 English speaking and Francophone Quebecers reports that in the western part of Montreal (where the province's largest concentration of Anglophones are found) 55% of English-speakers of the sample said they were generally satisfied with access, while only 39% felt the same way in Montreal's largely French-speaking east end.

Lanaudiere's English-speakers were among the least satisfied (21%). Only 37% of English-speakers in Estrie, 43% in Outaouais and 34% in Laval felt positively about their ability to obtain the health and social services they need in the language of their choice.

Overall, English-speaking Quebecers use certain health services less than Francophones. For example, Info-Sante health information phone-in service was used by 41% of Francophones aged 25-44 compared to 26% of Anglophones of the same age group.

"We see progress, but additional, sustained commitments from government and public partners are required," Jennifer Johnson said.

www.chssn.org